Labour has called on government to end the need for academic qualifications for civil service jobs in most cases.
The Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, Angela Rayner, said that degrees and A-levels should only be considered where there was a genuine need for that level of knowledge, such as in scientific positions.
Michael Gove, Minister for the Cabinet Office, has promised to open up the civil service with more flexible entry routes including apprenticeships.
DR UK’s Head of Policy Fazilet Hadi said: “There are around half a million employees in the civil service. It is imperative that those acting on behalf of government fully reflect the society they serve.
“With over a fifth of the population being Disabled, and with many Disabled people facing barriers to education and qualification, including systemic barriers in higher education, such as a lack of physical access and accessibility funding, and a lack of adaptation for neurodiverse people who cannot deal with the pressures of assessments and exams.
“Disabled people often excel at problem solving. We are often highly resilient and resourceful, but are too often overlooked due to failures in the current system. We often have the skills, will and life experience to help transform the cultures from which we are too often excluded for the better.
“Flexible routes into the civil service are not just a nice to have, they are absolutely necessary for an inclusive workforce.”